Images(2)

Gown

Date1770-1780

OriginEngland (textile); worn in America, Virginia

MediumStriped silk (peach with red and yellow), linen lining in bodice.

DimensionsOL: 56 1/2"; Waist: 23". Chest (without stomacher: 24"; skirt edge: 91"; Silk: selvage to selvage:19"; H pattern repeat: 12"; V pattern repeat: 3/8"; Linen: bodice thread count 33 x42 per inch; sleeve thread count 80 x 80 per inch.

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1983-225

DescriptionWoman's gown with open skirt and bodice of peach silk with delicate striped pattern in reds and yellow formed by warp floats. The fitted bodice is linen-lined and has a low rounded neckline. Two loose straps (2 1/8" wide) are sewn to back of shoulder and brought to the front to form robings. Stomacher missing. The skirt is pleated to the bodice in 3/8" pleats; open in front to reveal petticoat. Unlined skirt is evenly pleated and 3" longer in back. Front edges are pinked in a scallop shaped pattern, narrow hem.Mark(s)Label sewn in bodice, "Joe Blair".ProvenanceJoe Blair was probably Josephine Blair (born circa 1820) whose parents and grand parents were from Richmond and great grandparents lived in Williamsburg. The gown may be her grandmother's or great grandmother's (see object file).